PHOTOS: Cycling fundraiser visits Abbotsford hospice for potential final time<\/p>\n
Published 4:35 pm Wednesday, July 8, 2026<\/p>\n
For 20 years now, cyclists from across the Lower Mainland have come together to embark on a long journey that leads the group to Canuck Place-Dave Lede House in Abbotsford to meet some of the children they\u2019re raising thousands of dollars for.<\/p>\n
This year\u2019s Ride for the Kids took place on July 8 and was once again led by Jeff Bandura, who created the annual cycling fundraiser back in 2007.<\/p>\n
The former professional hockey player has been at the helm of this annual event every single year, making him one of only three people to have participated in each of the 20 cycling fundraisers.<\/p>\n
While the 2026 Ride for the Kids involved many of the same heartwarming elements of past races, there was one major difference, which could be found pasted across the shirts of the cyclists.<\/p>\n
Being branded as \u201cone final ride for the kids\u201d, this fundraiser could very possibly be the last time everyone hops on their bikes together to raise money for the Canuck Place Children\u2019s Hospice.<\/p>\n
Bandura, who cycled the entire distance despite receiving a hip replacement less than two weeks before the ride, said that after two decades of long-distance riding for charity, he thinks it might be time to chain up his bike.<\/p>\n
The 69-year-old said it\u2019s not just him, but many of the longtime riders, who are starting to feel the strain of doing such an extensive cycling trip.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe crew is getting a little bit older,\u201d said Bandura. \u201cWe used to ride 100 kilometres, and now we\u2019re down to 62.\u201d<\/p>\n
Even though they called this year\u2019s event the final ride, Bandura said he\u2019s not quite sure if that will stick or not.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s already been talk on the ride out here about whether this was really the last ride,\u201d he said. \u201cWe\u2019d like so much to hit that million-dollar mark.\u201d<\/p>\n
Prior to this year\u2019s event, the Ride for the Kids had already raised more than $870,000 for Canuck Place.<\/p>\n
This money helps the organization provide care to children suffering from life-threatening illnesses, which is something that Canuck Place has been doing for more than 35 years.<\/p>\n
Dave Lede House is Canuck Place\u2019s second hospice location and has been responsible for assisting sick Fraser Valley children and their families since 2014.<\/p>\n